This may come as a shock, but chocolate is good for you. It has been linked to reducing the risk of heart disease, cardiovascular disease, and type two diabetes. Chocolate makes us healthy while it makes us happy. Give yourself a daily “chocolate treatment.”
Flavonoids in chocolate account for strong antioxidants. In fact, the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry in 2003 found that a cup of hot cocoa that’s made from pure cocoa powder has more than double the antioxidants of red wine, black tea, and green tea. What does this mean? It means that in conducted studies, a seven gram dark chocolate treatment each day has reduced C-reactive protein by 17 percent. Okay fine, but again, what does that mean? Due to reduction in C-reactive protein, cardiovascular disease was lowered by one third in women and one fourth in men.
The addition of chocolate to your diet decreases your risk of developing cardiometobolic disorders, such as coronary disease, stroke, and type-two diabetes.
Milk chocolate isn’t as full of antioxidants, but at least the milk is good for your teeth. The calcium in milk is essential to bone health, but also, milk adjusts the pH levels in your mouth. Often, an acidic pH is caused by acidic drinks and the acid produced by bacteria feeding on starches and sugars left on your teeth. Milk neutralizes these acids, which protects your teeth!
“Chocolate treatment” can be self-administered at home, or anywhere in public.
For a full preventive dentistry treatment, come in for your next dental checkup.
An Invitation for Your Family
Dr. Jeffrey Allen provides comfortable dental care to patients of all ages. Call (641) 628-1121 today to schedule a checkup and cleaning, cosmetic consultation, or second-opinion visit. We are located on the west side of the historic town square in Pella. IA. Please see the map for directions.
